Sizzling Summer Sporting Events

Durham is a sports-mad county, with various world-class sporting events taking place throughout the year.

The county will play host to three ICC Cricket World Cup Matches. Plus with an impressive programme of cycling, running and golfing events, there’s never been a better time to book a sporting getaway. 

Check out our top picks of sporting events happening this summer across the county.

OVO Energy Tour Series 18 May

The Tour Series returns to Durham City for a record-breaking tenth time! With its cobbled streets and daunting 500m climb up South Street, Durham City is regarded as one of the most challenging rounds of the competition. Visitors can look forward to a thrilling day of sporting action as Britain’s top cyclists tussle it out for victory. 

The 186th Durham Regatta 8-9 June

A spectacular weekend of racing and riverbank entertainment. The second oldest regatta in the UK - Durham Regatta dates back to 1983, but its roots can be traced back even further to 1815!

Over 2,000 competitors compete across the weekend to win one of 60 trophies. As well as the rowing action, visitors can enjoy a range of family friendly entertainment along the banks of the River Wear including live music, food and drink and even a classic car rally. 

Consett Cycle Festival 23 June 

The Consett Cycle Festival will include the annual Tour of Derwent Reservoir where cyclists can enjoy a road race around the picturesque setting of Derwent Reservoir and the surrounding Durham Dales countryside. 

The family friendly festival includes live entertainment, music and activities taking place in Consett Town Hall.  

ICC Cricket World Cup  28 June, 1 and 3 July

2019 is set to be one of the biggest years in Durham County Cricket Club's history, as the club's home ground - The Riverside hosts three ICC Cricket World Cup matches, including England’s final group game against New Zealand.

• 28 June: Sri Lanka and South Africa 
• 1 July: Sri Lankans and the West Indies.
• 3 July: England and New Zealand. 

Fans who don't have tickets can still join in the carnival atmosphere at the FREE Durham City Celebrations and Fanzone. Enjoy delicious food and drink, entertainment and much more between 28 and 30 June. 

Durham City Run Festival 25 – 27 July

The first ever Durham City Run Festival will feature films, talks, book signings, a running expo, free running activities, and a mile challenge, all alongside the already popular Prince Bishops 5K and 10K runs. 

The Durham City Run Festival will offer a wide variety of running events for all ages and abilities, including ‘Families on Track’ created by Paula Radcliffe,. This race will give families the opportunity to work together to complete a set distance, in a format that allows everyone to contribute, no matter what their age or ability.  Paula will even be on hand to make sure that everything runs smoothly. 

Vitality Blast 19  July– 27 Aug

It's set to be a big summer of cricket at the Emirates Riverside! The Vitality Blast will see teams from across England and Wales compete for the Twenty20 Cup. 

During the seven home matches of the Durham Jets as well as the cricket families can also enjoy fun activities in the Family Zone including batting simulator, bowling speedcage and meet Durham Cricket's very own furry lions - Chester and River. 

Rockliffe Hall Open Pairs Competitions June - August

Rockliffe Hall offers an 18 hole championship golf course, which is one of the most challenging in Europe! Throughout the summer Golfers can take on this award-winning course in Rockliffe's open pairs competitions. 

• June Open Pairs Golf Competition 
• July Senior Open Pairs Golf Compeititon 
• August Summer Open Pairs Gold Competition 

View the full list of sporting events coming up in Durham. 

Feeling inspired by our sporting events? You’ll find a host of exciting sporting activities to enjoy across our county, happening throughout the year.

Explore Durham’s great outdoors on two feet or two wheels with our vast range of walking and cycling trails or for those thrill seekers out there, explore our range of adventure activities.